Sophomore QUEST

Eileen is a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. She serves as a Sophomore Quest Programming Assistant (QPA), where she supports residential sophomore students as they navigate the transition to upper-division academics and living off campus.

Before becoming a QPA, Eileen spent three years as a Community Assistant, including two years at the TECs and one year at Granada. She also experienced residential life as a resident herself, living in both Huāxyacac and Granada.

Eileen is excited to serve as a QPA because she has recently navigated many of the same transitions students experience during this stage of college. After graduating from undergraduate school at SDSU, she moved off campus, began working full-time, learned to manage loans, personal finances, and became more independent.

Eileen hopes to use her experiences to provide guidance, resources, and support to residential sophomore students as they prepare for life beyond the residential experience and take their next steps towards independence.

[email protected]

Jurnee is a third-year student double-majoring in Marketing and Information Systems. She is involved in other areas around campus such as serving as the Union Nights Chair for ASUB (Aztec Student Union Board), and the Vice Chair of Project Management for MarComm (Marketing & Communications Committee). She has a strong interest in helping those around her get involved on campus and in community wellness. She lived in Tenochca her 1st year, and Sunset Plaza her 2nd year at SDSU!

Jurnee's role as a Sophomore Quest Programming Assistant (QPA) is to serve as a guide for sophomore students who are going through the challenges of successfully living and transitioning off-campus. She is here to give tips, develop programs, and connect with residential sophomores to become confident in their transition to off-campus living.

[email protected]

Nicole is a second-year student who is majoring in social work, while also taking psychology courses as she continues to explore her interests and potential career paths. Nicole lived at Huāxyacac her first year at SDSU, and is now living in Zapotec over at The Tecs!

Her role as a Sophomore Quest Programming Assistant (QPA) includes supporting residential sophomore students in their transition into off-campus housing and navigating independent living. Through Sophomore QUEST, we provide essential programming experiences for our residential sophomores.

Nicole is excited to serve as a QPA as she enjoys meeting new people and being able to support students to ensure that they are successful. Outside of school, Nicole enjoys scenic walks, live music, and watching spooky movies!

[email protected]

Joining clubs allows you to meet people with similar interests, explore new passions, and feel more connected to campus life. SDSU has over 300 different student organizations!

Types of Organizations:

• Academic and Professional Clubs
• Cultural and Social Organizations
• Greek Life
• Intramural Sports
• Recognized Student Organizations

SDSU community centers offer programs, services and a sense of belonging for students across campus. Visit the center's websites to learn about upcoming programs and ways to get involved.

• Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center
• Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center
• Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR)
• Latinx Resource Center
• Native Resource Center
• The Pride Center
• Monarch Unity Resource Center
• Women's Resource Center

The Glazer Center for Leadership and Service helps students develop leadership skills, participate in community service and make a positive impact on campus and in the community.

Leadership opportunities include:

• Leadership retreats and conferences
• Scholarships
• Leadership workshops
• Leadership awards

Community service opportunities include:

• Local service opportunities
• Reporting community service hours
• Signature projects, including the Aztec Unity Service Project, Aztecs in Action and Glazer Gives Back
• Associated Students Community Service Commission opportunities

On-campus employment can help you build experience, develop transferable skills and connect with the SDSU community. Explore opportunities through Handshake, Aztec Shops, Residential Education and Housing and Associated Students.

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help you manage stress, stay focused and succeed academically and personally. Explore the resources below and choose strategies that fit your needs and routine.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can support energy, focus and overall well-being. Even with a busy schedule, small changes can make movement part of your daily routine:

• Schedule workouts like classes so they are less likely to be skipped.
• Combine exercise with daily routines by walking, biking or taking active breaks.
• Choose activities you enjoy so you are more likely to stay motivated.

Many fitness and recreation resources are included in student fees. Visit Aztec Recreation to explore facilities, programs and services, including:

• Aztec Recreation Center (ARC)
• ARC Express
• Aquaplex
• Mission Bay Aquatic Center
• Tennis courts
• ENS fields
• Group fitness classes
• Personal training
• Rock climbing wall
• Credit-bearing classes and other recreation programs

Sleep Habits

Sleep supports concentration, memory, decision-making and emotional well-being. Too little sleep can make it harder to focus and may contribute to increased stress, irritability, anxiety and low mood.

Try these strategies to support healthy sleep habits:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day.
• Create a simple bedtime routine and limit screen time for 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
• Reserve your bed for sleep whenever possible.
• Avoid long or late naps; if you nap, keep it to about 30 minutes.
• Nutritional Tips

Small planning habits can make it easier to eat well on a student schedule:

• Use your kitchen when one is available.
• Eat breakfast or choose a nourishing first meal.
• Make a list before grocery shopping.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Mental Wellness

Counseling and Psychological Services

If you need support, Counseling and Psychological Services (C&PS) offers resources to help students manage personal, social and emotional concerns. Services include:

• Individual counseling
• Couples counseling
• Group therapy
• Workshops and specialized programs
• Appointments with Baxter, C&PS’ therapy dog
• Meditation and stress-management resources

Well-being and Health Promotion

Visit Well-being and Health Promotion to explore resources and programs related to:

• Sexual health education
• Alcohol and other drug education
• CalFresh enrollment
• Peer leadership opportunities
• Overall health and well-being

If you are considering off-campus housing, take time to compare your options and understand the responsibilities that come with renting. Use the questions below as a starting point.

Roommate and Lifestyle Fit

Think about whether you want roommates and, if so, how many people and what living habits will work best for you. Be prepared to:

• Agree on how to divide bills and pay them on time.
• Communicate openly about concerns and expectations.
• Create a roommate agreement that outlines shared responsibilities.

Location

Where you live can affect your schedule, budget and day-to-day experience. Consider:

• Travel time to campus and work.
• How you will get around.
• Parking and public transportation access.
• Safety and accessibility in the area.
• Distance to grocery stores, restaurants and other essentials.

True Costs

Rent is only one part of the cost of living off campus. Plan for:

• Utilities and Wi-Fi.
• Groceries and household supplies.
• Parking, gas or public transportation.
• Unexpected or emergency expenses.

Leases and Tenancy

A lease is a legal agreement, so read it carefully before signing. Make sure you:

• Read the entire lease and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
• Understand which repairs, fees and responsibilities belong to you and which belong to the landlord.
• Review rules related to guests, subleasing and pets.
• Understand security deposits, notice requirements and move-out terms.
• Learn more through the City of San Diego’s tenant resources, California tenant rights information and the San Diego Legal Aid Society.

Academic Advisors

SDSU Navigate helps students connect with advisors and schedule advising appointments. Log in through my.SDSU to access appointments with your Coordinated Care Advisor, major advisor and other campus support professionals. Meeting with your advising team at least once each semester can help you stay on track.

Coordinated Care Advisors

Learn more about Coordinated Care Advising and how advisors can help you plan your degree, navigate university resources and use academic planning tools.

Sophomore year is often when students declare a major and confirm the field they plan to study. If you need to declare, change or remove a major or minor, meet with your advisor. Your major advisor will submit the Declaration of Major or Minor form on your behalf.

Visit the All On-Campus Advisors webpage to find the advisor for your major.

Registration dates are announced for individual students in November for the spring semester and April for the fall semester. Log in to my.SDSU to view your registration date and course information.

• Academic Calendars: Stay up to date on registration, holidays, final exams and other important dates.
• MyMap: Review a general four-year plan for your major and consider how to personalize it with your advisor.
• Degree Evaluation: Review the courses required for your major and minor and monitor your progress each semester through my.SDSU. Watch the Degree Evaluation Tutorial (video) for more information.

You do not have to navigate challenging courses alone.

SDSU's Library has a librarian for each major that you can contact to help you find specific texts.

Library and Tutoring Centers

• Math and Science Learning Center
• Writing Center
• Supplemental Instruction
• Residential Tutoring and STAR Centers

Student success centers provide advising, support and community for students with a range of identities, experiences and academic needs. Explore:

• Student Disability Services
• Student Support Services (TRiO)
• Test Accommodation Center
• WorkAbility IV Program (WAIV)
• Accessible Technology Center

College-based student success centers, including the College of Arts and Letters, College of Education, College of Engineering, Fowler College of Business and College of Sciences

• College of Arts and Letters
• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• Fowler College of Business
• College of Sciences

SDSU financial resources can help you explore scholarships, grants, financial aid and tuition-related support. Start with the Student Financial Center, FAFSA, Financial Aid, Bursar’s Office, Aztec Scholarships and the Economic Crisis Response Team.

SDSU Career Services offers year-round support as you explore career paths, build skills and experience, prepare for employment and navigate the workforce. Career Services can help with Handshake, job and internship searches, career counseling, resumes and cover letters. Email [email protected] with questions.

The Global Education Office can help you explore programs and prepare an application. To get started:

• Start early.
• Meet with a study abroad advisor to identify programs and receive application guidance.
• Apply and follow up on next steps.

Undergraduate research is a valuable way to explore topics of interest, build relationships with faculty and learn what graduate-level work may involve. To get involved, contact a professor whose research interests you and ask about opportunities in their lab. Visit the Division of Research and Innovation webpage for more information and support.

Create profiles on job and professional networking platforms to highlight your experience, build your network and find internships and employment opportunities.

• Handshake
• LinkedIn
• Indeed